Feb 03 2010
Grandote Reviews
Considerable time was allocated last night for the two Grandote Annexation discussions. Mayor Schmidt tried to keep a tight rein on public comments, but sometimes needed a whip and chair to tame the crowd. In the end, Mayor Schmidt and Trustee Dawn Blanken had the most interaction with the audience but limited some discussion of the proposals based on current Litigation concerns. ???
Bruce Cantrell presented a unique and creative proposal that should be considered. It was evident that he has also done considerable research of the issues. One item evolved around the basic fact that only about 50 acres of Grandote need be charged the development impact costs, since the other 150 acres were simply existing golf fairways and greens. A major item was his opinion that water adequacy should not be such a roadblock, as his info. suggests that La Veta has more than adequate resources and supply. Cantrell offerred to host a water workshop and bring in water attorneys and engineers to discuss that in more depth with the Board. Town should grab that opportunity.
Dwight Harrison presented his proposal, along with a Settlement Offer from Dr. Briggs. Harrison was an original founder of Grandote and has personal knowledge of background issues. He presented a passionate plea for an amicable solution of settlement and cooperation between the Parties going forward. After some audience pressure, the Mayor allowed Harrison to read the proposed Settlement terms into the record. It was simple and straightforward, but was unfortunately, revolved around the continuing requirement that the entire property by immediately recognized as annexed into the Town, thus avoiding a new application petition. (This was the critical issue of the recent lawsuit that found in favor of the Town, that Grandote is in fact NOT annexed at this time. Briggs is currently appealing that court ruling).
No action was taken by the Board but it is certainly hoped that these exchanges will stimulate and encourage both participation and cooperation toward getting Grandote back on a path that benefits the Town. Litigation is rarely the best path. The individual members of Town Board are no doubt sincere volunteers that bear the burden of overall Town Management. For that, they should be most appreciated. But they seem to take a hands-off approach to fiscal economic development or flexible incentives. To me, the stakes are pretty high right now. It does remain hard for me to see the positive in the Town response to the issues surrounding Grandote.
The Town Board answer continues to be limited to, …then Briggs should file a new Application for Annexation, end of story. And Dr. Briggs continues to reply, … the previous annexation and water agreements should still be validated (in spite of Court decisions to the contrary).
Where will we find the compromise? The outcome and economic impact of this saga will continue to be felt for years if this is not resolved.
8 Responses to “Grandote Reviews”
Hi Jerry
We all read your blog this mornig and appreciate you taking the time to put into words your thoughts on the mmeting.
Thanks again
Karen and the Fuller gang
Thanks Karen. I know there will be lots of different opinions.
Jerry,
In my opinion (and as someone who is close to, and looking forward to, beginning construction of a house near La Veta), Grandote not only benefits the town of La Veta but the county and the state.
As you have Jerry, my husband and I have driven through many, many Texas towns on our way to and from Colorado that are all but gone – for various reasons, I’m sure, but none the less they have been unable to “hang on”. Just imagine, driving along the “Scenic” Highway of Legends and coming to an abandoned golf course, a town with a high percentage of closed stores & eating establishments, and only one or two open gas stations. It can and does happen.
I’ve never played golf (only watch it on TV) and my husband hasn’t played for years, but we would join Grandote when it reopens just to support the importance of the course to the community and the area. Instead of finding fault with each other we hope that all involved parties can resolve their issures.
Thanks for keeping us informed.
Very well put Gayle. The golf course is one of the real jewels of the valley to many. Neither conflicy nor apathy will resolve the differences but they can be resolved in a positive and productive manner.
Jerry
I thank you for offering this Blog. I own a little piece of LaVeta property that I intend to build on someday – but being from Connecticut – it is hard to keep up with the news. Your blog really helps me to keep in touch with what is really going on in Town.
Thanks
Andria
You are most welcome Andria and thanks for your response. I do try to offer a fair and accurate assessment of local events. But my effort of objective reporting does occasionally get swayed by my personal opinion. And as such, I also invite opposing views. I know there will be some.
Jerry…I am shocked and dismayed with the attitude of the Mayor and Council towards the issue of the annexation of the balance of the golfcourse not already annexed. (if I understand the issue correctly.)
First, I think the 5,000 annexation fee excessive…and seemingly devised for the purpose of discouraging any annexation. I can tell you that most small towns today encourage annexation when it can result in economic benefit.
It is perfectly understandable that the ownership is dismayed at the attitude of the town council…it would seem to me that they have a right to look towards accomodation rather than discouragement.
For La Veta to lose the golf course , in my opinion, is disaster!
Thanks for your comments Jim. Many of us agree. The $5,000 per acre deposit is ridiculous. True, some might be left unspent and returned to Grandote, but why the capital roadblocks? And given hostile environments, there may not be ANY to refund when its all said and done. Can anyone justify more attorney fees?
This situation is bringing a tremendous amount of concern and attention toward our April Town Board elections. Economic health here is becoming paramount. The golf course is a tremendous economic and tourism feature. I expect a changing landscape could be in the near future. But many of us also live in the country, outside the Town Boundary Limits, and have NO VOTE here. That may really hurt us in the long run.